Industry celebrates 30th anniversary of Big Shots charity event

Big Shots 2025 – the furnishing industry’s clay pigeon shoot, principally sponsored by Furniture Village in aid of The Furniture Makers’ Company – celebrated its 30th anniversary in spectacular style, raising a record-breaking £46,000.

Held on Wednesday 11 June 2025 at the Holland & Holland shooting grounds in Northwood, Middlesex, the milestone event brought together over 160 industry professionals for a thrilling day of sport, camaraderie and charitable giving – all in support of people from the trade facing hardship and to inspire new talent entering the industry.

Kicking off with breakfast, the day got underway with a blast from Holland & Holland’s antique cannon, before teams made their way around ten shooting stands set across 60 acres of countryside. Alongside the main 100-bird competition, guests tested their skills on novelty stands such as flash clays and the ever-popular eight-straight stand.

Following a three-course lunch and drinks reception, the celebrations continued with a lively auction and charity raffle, including a special prize donated by Hypnos – a wine collection worth over £2,000 – and the much-enjoyed wine pull, where guests paid for a mystery bottle ranging from fine vintage to cheeky plonk.

Among the fierce competition, several shooters stood out:
• Top Gun Male: Tom Prestwich (Belfield Group) – 106 points
• Top Gun Female: Nicky Hutten (Minotti) – 81 points
• Top Gun Novice: Jack Cochrane (Furniture Village) – 89 points
• Top Team: The Fighting Twenty Fifth (RAF) – 431 points
• Runner Up Team: Sharpes Shooters (2 Rifles) – 405 points
• Top Novice Team: Clay-Z and the Snipers (Furniture Village) – 378 points
• Four Man Flurry Winners: Sharpes Shooters (2 Rifles) – 83 points

Special mentions also went to:
• Worst Male Shot: Billy Sanchez (Furniture Village) – 29 points
• Worst Female Shot: Susie Bartlett (Furniture Village) – 28 points

Charlie Harrison, Managing Director at Furniture Village, said: “It was a fantastic way to mark 30 years of Big Shots – a brilliant event full of friendly competition and an incredible fundraising total. We’re proud to continue supporting an industry charity that means so much to us all.”

Jonny Westbrooke, CEO of The Furniture Makers’ Company, added: “Big Shots is always a highlight of the year, and this year’s 30th anniversary was truly exceptional. Thank you to everyone who took part, donated, and helped us raise a record £46,000. Your generosity helps us continue our essential work across the industry.”

Special thanks also went to all event sponsors and supporters, including: Biglight, Blum UK, Bodahl Mobler ApS, Brave Bison, Buoyant Upholstery Limited, Castelan Group, Celtheath, Colourfast, Davy’s, Emmiera Group, Ercol, Furniture Village, Holland & Holland, Hydeline, Hypnos Ltd, London School of Furniture, Luke Macdonald of Sworders, MasterSofa, Minotti, RAF 25(F) Squadron, Tempur UK Ltd and Whitemeadow Furniture Ltd.

The 31st edition of Big Shots will take place on Wednesday 10 June 2026.

The Furniture Makers’ Company – City of London livery company